Professional Attitudes to Supporting Parents with Learning Disabilities

Adults with learning disabilities who become parents and need support evoke a range of responses from health and social care professionals. Providing effective support while safeguarding the welfare of the children is one of the more complex challenges facing practitioners. The article describes an audit, training and evaluation that throws light on some of the underlying difficulties, particularly differences in attitudes and approach between health and social services staff that can obstruct joint working and effective practice. Attention to this area is important in the light of the drive towards integrated health and social care provision.